In My Father’s Arms

I often gazed upon this picture taken in October 2021 of my son, Ryan and his family, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. When they sent the photo to me, I enlarged it and set it on my desk. Why? The terrified looks and reactions of my granddaughters evoked so much laughter and lifted my spirits on days when things got too serious in my life. But the more I gazed at the picture, the more my eyes opened to what God really wanted me to see.

Read More
The Proof of the Prints

When my sons Branden and Ryan were young, I would go all out at Easter time. I decorated my house with green grass, plastic eggs, and other Easter paraphernalia. I dyed six dozen eggs! Yes, seventy-two eggs. I never knew why six dozen, but it started with my mother dying that number for us when we were kids. I simply continued the tradition. I did it with my grandchildren when they lived here in Texas and I still do it with them even though they live in Sunrise, Florida. Thank God for technology that allows us to have these moments together. I realize it sounds crazy, but these activities bring back so many lovely memories.

As I put up my Easter decorations this year, I chuckled at something else I used to do when my boys were very young. I would cut out “rabbit paws,” put baby powder on them, and make footprints in the carpet which started from an outside door to the family room. The footprints led to their Easter baskets.

Read More
A Way in a Manger

While gearing up for my morning walk, I asked the Lord for a topic for Christmas. As I walked around the lake, I started doing what I normally do…talk to the Lord or sing. Since it’s the Christmas season, I started singing Christmas carols.

Away in a manger
no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
laid down His sweet head
The stars in the sky
looked down where He lay
the little Lord Jesus
asleep on the hay

Read More
Gratitude or Grief

We can learn a lot from the Peanuts gang. During the holidays, if we aren’t careful, we set unrealistic expectations which may leave us overwhelmed and depressed. And like Charlie Brown, we find ourselves sighing his catchphrase—good grief. But towards the end of the movie, Marcie explains what Thanksgiving means to her.

Read More